Liquid dispensing system

ABSTRACT

A liquid dispensing apparatus for applying liquid products to row crops. The liquid dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of drop assemblies supported by and laterally spaced along a boom structure and pivotal with respect thereto. Each of the drop assemblies includes dribble hoses for dribbling a liquid product onto the soil in a rhizosphere of adjacent crop rows. The drop assemblies may include a spray assembly for spraying the row crops.

BACKGROUND

In modern farming practices, broadcast applications of fertilizers orother liquid products to assist plant growth are common practice. Forexample, applying starter fertilizers at planting in furrow orsubsurface presents an opportunity to assist plant nutrient needs for ashort period of time, and in very limited amounts. Moreover, world goalsof an average corn yield of 300 bushels per acre and average soybeanyields of 100 bushels per acre have been suggested to help support theever-growing population's food and energy needs. Agronomic specialistsare developing new genetics in grains, creating genetic potential toachieve these higher yield goals. However, conventional liquid productapplication systems are useful only at the beginning of the plant's lifeand, especially when used later in a plant's life, create a significantamount of waste as they spray liquid products in the air above theplants. Thus, conventional broadcast applications of liquid products donot allow for the level of fertilization needed for new genetic plantnutrient needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative liquid dispensing systemin accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an illustrative liquid placementapparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2B depicts a partial view of an illustrative drop assembly inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2C is a partial, exploded view of the illustrative drop assembly inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an illustrative drop assembly, shown ina first position, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the illustrative drop assembly of FIG.3A, shown in a second position, in accordance with embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 4A is an exploded, perspective view of an illustrative couplingassembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4B is an assembled, perspective view of the illustrative couplingassembly of FIG. 4A in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of an illustrative base assemblyin accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an assembled, perspective view of an illustrative baseassembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7A is a bottom view of an illustrative upper portion of a baseassembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7B is a side view of the illustrative upper portion of FIG. 7A inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7C is a front, outline view of the illustrative upper portion ofFIGS. 7A and 7B in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8A is a top view of an illustrative lower portion of a baseassembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8B is a side view of the illustrative lower portion of FIG. 8A inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9A is an assembled, perspective view of an illustrative flowregulator in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9B is an exploded, perspective view of the illustrative flowregulator of FIG. 9A in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an illustrative elbow assembly inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a partial, upper-perspective view of an illustrative lowerportion of a base assembly, showing an elbow assembly disposed therein,in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration for anillustrative liquid placement apparatus in accordance with embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a breakawaymounting assembly.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the breakaway mounting assembly ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the breakaway mounting assembly ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a rear elevation view of the breakaway mounting assembly ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a breakawaymounting assembly for the liquid placement apparatus.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the breakaway mountingassembly of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the breakaway mountingassembly of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the breakaway mounting assembly ofFIG. 17 showing the drop assembly pivoting from the normal position tothe breakaway position in phantom lines.

FIG. 21 is a rea perspective view of another embodiment of a breakawaymounting assembly.

DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention allow for efficiencies in fertilizer usageand higher yield potential by creating the ability to feed plants justprior to the plants' specific crop nutrient needs, thereby helping thegenetics to reach their full potential. Embodiments of the inventioninclude a liquid placement apparatus that places the nutrients near therhizosphere in a moisture zone for the process of mineralization.Nutrients can either be taken in by the plants by mass flow ordiffusion, thereby minimizing the environmental footprint left duringfertilizer application. By implementing embodiments of the invention, anearly time line of opportunity of application is achieved and rangesfrom the early vegetative stages of a plant's life to the middlereproductive stages of the plant's life. This range creates a largewindow of opportunity for applicators to achieve new levels offertilization for higher yields and to achieve more efficient use offertilizer, thereby reducing surface contamination.

Turning to FIG. 1, an illustrative liquid dispensing system 10 isdepicted in a perspective view. As shown in FIG. 1, the illustrativeliquid dispensing system 10 includes a carrier 12 that supports a liquiddispensing apparatus 14. According to various embodiments, the carrier12 can be of any number of different configurations. For example, insome embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the carrier 12 can be atractor that includes its own propulsion technology and to which theliquid dispensing apparatus 14 is directly coupled. In otherembodiments, the carrier 12 can be a trailer, or other towable vehicle,to which the liquid dispensing apparatus 14 is attached. In theseembodiments, the carrier 12 can be towed by an independent tractor. Anynumber of different configurations for the carrier 12 are possible andall of these are considered to be within the ambit of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid dispensing apparatus 14 may include aboom 16 (often referred to as a “toolbar”). A number of liquid placementapparatuses 18 may be coupled to the boom 16 and may extend downwardtherefrom (e.g., when the boom 16 is in a fully extended position). Eachof the liquid placement apparatuses 18 receives a liquid product from atank 15 that is supported by the carrier 12. The liquid product istransferred from the tank 15 to a liquid placement apparatus 18 via oneor more distribution hoses 19 that may be disposed along the boom 16.Any type and number of suitable distribution hoses 19 may be utilizedand any type of suitable pumping mechanism (not illustrated for thepurposes of brevity and clarity of description) may be employed totransfer the liquid product from the tank 15 to the distribution hoses19, and thereby, to the liquid placement apparatuses 18. In exampleembodiments, the liquid placement apparatuses 18 may attach to a boom 16as shown in the figures and described above, however, this is not meantto limit the invention. For example, the liquid placement apparatuses 18may be attached to any suitable structure such as, but not limited to, aside-dress applicator, a cultivator, an opener, a planter row unit, ashank, a chisel, and/or an opener disk. In other words, the liquidplacement apparatuses 18 may be attached in a spaced relation to anysuitable structure which is supported at a height above the row cropincluding, by way of example, a boom, frame toolbar, or an attachment toa planter row unit, or any number of ground working tools such as theshank, chisel, and opener disk.

According to various embodiments, the boom 16 can be of any number ofdifferent lengths and of any number of different configurations. Forexample, common boom 16 lengths include 60 feet, 90 feet, and 100 feet.Any other boom 16 length could be employed, as well, in accordance withembodiments of the invention. The boom 16 is attached to the carrier 12using any number of attachment technologies including, for example, az-bracket mechanism. In embodiments, the boom 16 can be attached infront of the carrier 12 or behind the carrier 12. According to variousembodiments of the invention, the carrier 12 includes the ability toraise the boom 16 to a height that is high enough to allow the carrier12 to turn on the end of a field in a standing crop without injuring thestanding crop. In other embodiments, portions of the boom 16 can befolded upwardly, and out of the way of the standing crops, as describedbelow.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the boom 16 includes a center section 17 a,that is mounted to the carrier 12, and two wing sections 17 b and 17 c.In some embodiments, the wing sections 17 b and 17 c can be designed tofold at joints 17 d and 17 e, respectively. The foldable design allowsfor space-efficient storing of the system 10. Additionally, the wingsections 17 b and 17 c can be optionally folded (e.g., upwardly) duringa turn-around action at the end of a crop row. It will be understood byindividuals having skill in the relevant arts that foldable wingssections 17 b and 17 c can be useful in that, when the carrier 12reaches an end of a crop row, the wing sections 17 b and 17 c can befolded upwardly, thereby moving the wing sections 17 b and 17 c, and anyhardware attached thereto, out of the way of the crops at the end of thecrop row as the carrier 12 is turned around to go down an adjacent croprow in the opposite direction.

Turning now to FIG. 2A, an illustrative liquid placement apparatus 18 isdepicted in a perspective view. As shown, the liquid placement apparatusincludes a base assembly 20 that is coupled to a lower end of a dropassembly 22. The drop assembly 22 is adjustably coupled to the boom 16using a coupling assembly 24. The liquid placement apparatus 18 furtherincludes a hose assembly 26 that facilitates transferring liquid productfrom the distribution hose 19 associated with the boom 16 to the baseassembly 20, which includes two dribble hoses 162 a and 162 b extendingtherefrom through which the liquid product is delivered to the ground.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A, and 3B, the drop assembly 22 includes anupper portion 32 and a lower portion 34, flexibly coupled together usinga cable 35 that is disposed within the upper portion 32 and the lowerportion 34. In embodiments, the cable 35 can be secured to the inside ofeach of the upper portion 32 and the lower portion 34 of the dropassembly 22 by crimping the cable 35 in place at crimps 36 and 38,respectively. In other embodiments, any number of other mechanisms canbe used to couple the cable 35 to the upper 32 and lower 34 portions ofthe drop assembly 22. Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A,and 3B, the drop assembly 22 includes a gap 40 between the upper portion32 and the lower portion 34 of the drop assembly 22. The gap 40 allowsthe lower portion 34 of the drop assembly 22 to move relative to theupper portion 32 such as, for example, when an obstacle is encountered.According to various embodiments of the invention, the gap 40 can be ofany desired size (e.g., ½ inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch, etc.).

Turning to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an illustrative drop assembly 22 is depictedin two perspective views, in two different positions, according toembodiments of the invention. In a first position, illustrated in FIG.3A, the drop assembly 22 is oriented substantially vertically and theupper 32 and lower 34 portions of the drop assembly 22 are substantiallyaligned, providing a roughly straight drop assembly 22. The cable 35extends across the gap 40, thereby providing a flex point at which thelower portion 34 of the drop assembly 22 can move (e.g., flex, tilt,etc.) into a second position, illustrated in FIG. 3B, when the lowerportion 34 of the drop assembly 22 or the base assembly 20 encounters aforeign structure such as, for example, a standing crop or fieldobstructions such as rocks, posts, gullies or ravines.

The upper portion 32 and the lower portion 34 of the drop assembly 22can be of any number of different lengths and configurations. In anembodiment, for example, the upper 32 and lower 34 portions togethermake a drop assembly 22 that is 18 inches to 30 inches long. Dependingupon the particular application, the drop assembly 22 can be shorterthan 18 inches and, in some embodiments, the drop assembly can be longerthan 30 inches. In some embodiments, the upper 32 and lower 34 portionsof the drop assembly 22 can include ¾ inch pipe flexibly coupled to oneanother using a ⅝ inch cable 35 that is crimped inside of the upper 32and lower 34 portions. In some embodiments, the upper portion 32 and thelower portion 34 can be flexibly coupled to one another using any numberof other coupling mechanisms including, for example, hinges, pivots,rotational coupling mechanisms, and the like, such that the lowerportion 34 of the drop assembly 22 can move relative to the upperportion 32 when the lower portion 34 encounters an obstacle such as, forexample, a standing crop, as shown in FIG. 3B.

Returning now to FIG. 2, the drop assembly 22 is adjustably coupled tothe boom 16 using a coupling assembly 24 that couples the upper portion32 of the drop assembly 22 to the boom 16 at a drop location 22 a.According to various embodiments, any number of drop assemblies 22 canbe coupled to the boom 16, with any desired amount of spacing providedbetween adjacent drop assemblies 22. According to embodiments, the boom16 includes a number of drop assemblies 22 extending downwardlytherefrom, where each drop assembly 22 extends downwardly from the boom16 at a drop location 22 a. In some embodiments, for example, the boom16 includes a drop location 22 a at every 15-48 inches, depending uponthe configuration of the boom 16.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an illustrative coupling assembly 24 isillustrated in an exploded view (FIG. 4A) and in an assembled view (FIG.4B). The illustrative coupling assembly 24 is just one example of asuitable coupling assembly in accordance with embodiments of theinvention. In embodiments, other types of coupling assemblies can beused and in some embodiments, the coupling assembly 24 can includefeatures or configurations not described herein. The illustrativecoupling assembly 24, illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B allows foradjusting the placement of the coupling assembly (and therefore, thedrop assembly 22) along the boom 16 (e.g., the coupling assembly 24allows for determining a drop location 22 a with minimal effort).

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the illustrative coupling assembly 24includes a bracket 42, having a number of slots 46 a, 46 b, 46 c, and 46d disposed therein, and U-bolts 48, 50, 52, and 54 that are configuredto be coupled to the bracket 42, and around the boom 16 and the upperportion 32 of the drop assembly 22, thereby removably attaching the dropassembly 22 to the boom 16. With particular reference to FIG. 4A, thebracket 42 includes a body 44, in which is disposed the slots 46 a, 46b, 46 c, and 46 d, which, in some embodiments, are generally L-shaped,as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. According to various embodiments, the body44 of the bracket 42 is substantially flat and substantially circular inshape and is configured such that each L-shaped slot 46 a, 46 b, 46 c,and 46 d is roughly disposed within a quadrant of the circularly-shapedbody 44, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In some embodiments, the body 44can include any number of other types of shapes. Similarly, inembodiments, the slots 46 can include shapes other than L-shapes suchas, for example, S-shapes, T-shapes, and the like. According to variousembodiments, the slots 46 a, 46 b, 46 c, and 46 d are evenly spacedaround the bracket 44 and can be particularly spaced apart to correspondto the widths of the upper portion 32 of the drop assembly 22 and theboom 16.

As is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in operation, the upper portion 32 ofthe drop assembly 22 is aligned in a perpendicular orientation with theboom 16 and the bracket 42 is disposed between the upper portion 32 andthe boom 16. As is illustrated in FIG. 4B, the bracket 42 is positionedsuch that a first pair of L-shaped slots 46 a and 46 b is exposed on afirst side of the upper portion 32 of the drop assembly 22 and a secondpair of L-shaped slots 46 c and 46 d is exposed on a second side of theupper portion 32 of the drop assembly 22.

In this mounting position, a first portion 46 e of the first slot 46 ais oriented substantially parallel to the upper portion 32 of the dropassembly 22 and connects with a second portion 46 f, at a lower end ofthe first portion 46 e. The second portion 46 f of the first slot 46 aextends from the lower end of the first portion 46 e outwardly, in adirection that is substantially parallel to the boom 16. Similarly, butin what is essentially a reflected orientation, in the mountingposition, the second slot 46 b includes a first portion 46 g that issubstantially parallel to the upper portion 32 of the drop assembly 22and connects with a second portion 46 h, at an upper end of the firstportion 46 g. The second portion 46 h of the second slot 46 b extendsfrom the upper end of the first portion 46 g outwardly, in a directionthat is substantially parallel to the boom 16. Also in the mountingposition, a first portion 46 i of the third slot 46 c is orientedsubstantially parallel to the upper portion 32 of the drop assembly 22and connects with a second portion 46 j, at a lower end of the firstportion 46 i. The second portion 46 j of the third slot 46 c extendsfrom the lower end of the first portion 46 i outwardly, in a directionthat is substantially parallel to the boom 16. Similarly, but in what isessentially a reflected orientation, in the mounting position, thefourth slot 46 d includes a first portion 46 k that is substantiallyparallel to the upper portion 32 of the drop assembly 22 and connectswith a second portion 46 l, at an upper end of the first portion 46 k.The second portion 46 l of the fourth slot 46 d extends from the upperend of the first portion 46 k outwardly, in a direction that issubstantially parallel to the boom 16.

With particular reference to FIG. 4A, to adjustably secure the dropassembly 22 to the boom 16, a set of adjustable U-bolts 48, 50, 52, and54 are utilized. Each U-bolt 48, 50, 52, and 54 is roughly shaped like a“U.” That is, for example, a first U-bolt 48 includes a first arm 48 aand a second arm 48 b that are parallel to one another and that eachhave threads disposed toward the outside end of the arm 48 a and 48 b. Acurved mid-portion 48 c extends between the inside ends of the first arm48 a and the second arm 48 b, thereby defining a U-shaped bolt 48.Similarly, a second U-bolt 50 includes threaded parallel arm portions 50a and 50 b connected by a curved mid-portion 50 c; a third U-bolt 52includes threaded parallel arm portions 52 a and 52 b connected by acurved mid-portion 52 c; and a fourth U-bolt 54 includes threadedparallel arm portions 54 a and 54 b connected by a curved mid-portion 54c.

As illustrated in FIG. 4B, to secure the bracket 42 to the upper portion32 of the drop assembly 22 and the boom 16, the first U-bolt 48 isinserted through the back 42 b of the bracket 42 such that the first armmember 48 a passes through the first portion 46 i of the third slot 46d, the second arm member 48 b passes through the first portion 46 e ofthe first slot 46 a, and the mid-portion 48 c of the first U-bolt 48wraps around the outside (back) side of the upper portion 32 of the armassembly 22. A first nut 55 a is screwed onto the first arm member 48 aand secured against the front side 42 a of the bracket 42, and a secondnut 55 b is screwed onto the second arm member 48 b of the first U-bolt48 and secured against the front side 42 a of the bracket 42, therebyholding the first U-bolt 48 in place. As shown, in embodiments one ormore washers 55 c can be disposed between the nuts 55 a and 55 b and thebracket 42.

Similarly, the second U-bolt 50 is inserted through the back 42 b of thebracket 42 such that the first arm member 50 a of the second U-bolt 50passes through the first portion 46 k of the fourth slot 46 d, thesecond arm member 50 b passes through the first portion 46 g of thesecond slot 46 b, and the mid-portion 50 c of the second U-bolt 50 wrapsaround the outside (back) side of the upper portion 32 of the armassembly 22. A third nut 55 d is screwed onto the first arm member 50 aand secured against the front side 42 a of the bracket 42, and a fourthnut 55 e is screwed onto the second arm member 50 b of the second U-bolt50 and secured against the front side 42 a of the bracket 42, therebyholding the second U-bolt 50 in place.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the first and second U-bolts 48 and 50 adjustablycouple the upper portion 32 of the drop assembly 22 to the back side 42b of the bracket 42. Similarly, the third and fourth U-bolts 52 and 54adjustably couple the boom 16 to the front side 42 a of the bracket 42,as described here. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the third U-bolt 52 isinserted through the front 42 a of the bracket 42 such that the firstarm member 52 a of the third U-bolt 52 passes through the second portion46 j of the third slot 46 c, the second arm member 52 b passes throughthe second portion 46 l of the fourth slot 46 d, and the mid-portion 52c of the second U-bolt 52 wraps around the inside (front) side of theboom 16. A fifth nut 55 f is screwed onto the first arm member 52 a andsecured against the back side 42 b of the bracket 42, and a sixth nut 55g is screwed onto the second arm member 52 b of the third U-bolt 52 andsecured against the back side 42 b of the bracket 42, thereby holdingthe third U-bolt 52 in place.

Similarly, the fourth U-bolt 54 is inserted through the back 42 b of thebracket 42 such that the first arm member 54 a of the fourth U-bolt 54passes through the second portion 46 f of the first slot 46 a, thesecond arm member 54 b passes through the second portion 46 h of thesecond slot 46 b, and the mid-portion 54 c of the second U-bolt 54 wrapsaround the inside (front) side of the boom 16. A seventh nut 55 h isscrewed onto the first arm member 54 a and secured against the back side42 b of the bracket 42, and an eighth nut 55 h is screwed onto thesecond arm member 54 b of the fourth U-bolt 54 and secured against theback side 42 b of the bracket 42, thereby holding the fourth U-bolt 54in place. In this manner, the upper portion 32 of the drop assembly 22is adjustably and removably coupled to the boom 16.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an illustrative base assembly 20 is depicted inan exploded, perspective view. According to various embodiments of theinvention, the base assembly 20 is a roughly triangle-shaped unit. Thefront 20 a of the base assembly 20 leads the assembly 20 through theterrain so that the base assembly 20 can push through crops and otherobstacles. In embodiments, the base assembly 20 is constructed frompolypropylene plastic and, in embodiments, incorporates a grid-baseddesign that is engineered for strength, weight distribution anddurability. According to various embodiments, the base assembly 20travels between approximately 6 inches and approximately 8 inches abovethe ground surface as the carrier 12 (see FIG. 1) moves through the croprows, but can still be effective as high as 28 inches above the groundsurface. Each base assembly 20 travels independently through a crop rowand that crop row acts as a guide for the base assembly 20 to follow incontours and uneven topography. The liquid placement apparatus 18 hasthe capacity to dribble on the surface 1 to 50 gallons of product within3 inches on both sides of plant rows. According to embodiments, and withreference to FIG. 1, the liquid placement apparatuses 18 are mounted onthe boom 16 with approximately 6 inches of space between each of thebase assemblies 20. In other embodiments, the apparatuses 18 areconfigured to allow a different amount of space between base assemblies20.

As shown in FIG. 5, the base assembly 20 is manufactured in two injectedmolded pieces: an upper portion 70 and a lower portion 72. The upperportion 70 and lower portion 72 of the base assembly 20 are coupledusing fastening devices such as, for example, a number of screws 73. Thebase assembly 20 is coupled to the bottom of the lower portion 34 of thedrop assembly 22 using a fastening device such as, for example, a5/16×1.5 inch shoulder bolt 74. In other embodiments, other types orsizes of bolts or other fasteners can be used to attach the baseassembly 20 to the drop assembly 22. In an embodiment, the bolt 74 isdisposed approximately 1 inch from the bottom of the base assembly 20and can be secured to the lower portion 34 of the drop assembly 22 usinga nut (not illustrated).

With particular reference to FIGS. 5 and 7A-7C, the upper portion 70 ofthe base assembly includes a back wall 76 and a parallel, opposed frontwall 78. Angled side walls 80 extend from the ends of the front wall 78toward the ends of the back wall 76, which is longer than the front wall78. In some embodiments, the back wall 76 is significantly longer thanthe front wall 78, thereby providing for a wider base angle 79. In anembodiment, the upper portion 70 of the base assembly 20 does notinclude a front wall 78, but rather, comes to a point in the front. Apair of parallel, opposed wall segments 82 extend between the back ends84 of the side walls 80 and the ends 86 of the back wall 76, therebyforming a roughly triangular frame 88. An upper panel 90 is disposedover the frame 88. As is further illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7A, a wing92 is attached to the back wall 76 and extends outwardly from the backwall 76, along the length of the back wall 76. Additionally, a number ofapertures 94 are disposed within the upper panel 90. The apertures 94are adapted to receive the screws 73 with which the base assembly 20 isassembled.

With particular reference to FIG. 7A, disposed within the frame 88 ofthe upper portion 70 of the base assembly 20 is an upper grid 100. Inembodiments, the upper grid 100 includes a first set of ribs 102, whichextend between the two sidewalls 80, parallel to the back wall 76. Asecond set of ribs 104 intersects the first set of ribs 102 and each ofthe second set of ribs 104 extends between the back wall 76 and asidewall 80, in an orientation substantially perpendicular to the backwall 76 (and, thus, the first set of ribs 102), and in the configurationillustrated. As shown in FIG. 7A, the apertures 94 extend through ribs102 or 104, thereby allowing the screws 73 to pass through the upperportion 70 of the base assembly 20 into the lower portion 72.

Additionally, a number of the ribs 102 and 104 toward the back 20 b ofthe base assembly have channels (e.g., portions cut away) 114 disposedtherein for allowing tubing to be disposed therethrough, as described inmore detail below. The upper grid 100 corresponds to a lower grid 130.The grids 100 and 130 are engineered to reduce breakage of the upperportion 70 of the base assembly 20 upon impact with a foreign structure.Additionally, the designs of the grids 100 and 130 help to distributethe weight of the base assembly 20 in a manner that allows for the baseassembly 20 to be moved through crop fields at reasonable speeds suchas, for example, speeds ranging from about 1 mph to about 12 mph, whileallowing the drop assembly 22 to hang in a reasonably verticalconfiguration. In embodiments, the weight of the base assembly 20 isdistributed such that the base assembly is oriented with its front 20 aend angled slightly upward (and thereby causing the drop assembly 22 tohang somewhat forward) while at rest, allowing the drop assembly 22 tomove to a substantially vertical position as the speed of the carrier 12increases and the carrier moves through the field.

According to various embodiments, the width 106 of the back wall 76 ofthe upper portion 70 of the base assembly 20 can have any desireddimension. In embodiments, for example, the width 106 a varies fromabout 9 inches to about 32 inches. It will be appreciated by individualshaving skill in the relevant arts that the length 108 a of the moldvaries in relation to the width 106. In some embodiments, the widths 106a and 106 b of the molds 70 and 72 are determined for a specific plantrow width. According to various implementations, each base width 106 aand 106 b is designed to allow for 6 inches of total clearance—e.g., 3inches of clearance on each side of the base assembly 20. This clearancebetween the base assembly 20 and the crop row allows the base assembly20 to move between crop rows without damaging the crops in those croprows.

With particular reference to FIG. 7C, the height 110 of the upperportion 70 of the base assembly 20 varies between the two sidewalls 80.As shown in FIG. 7C, the height 110 is beveled upward in the centerfront 111 of the upper portion 70 of the base assembly. The beveledupper portion 70 design allows neighboring base assemblies, when themachine is engaged, to not tangle with each other and allows baseassemblies to slide off of each other if needed. Entanglement canhappen, for example, when the boom 16 (or a portion thereof) is raisedto allow the machine to turn at the end of a crop row. When the boom 16is lowered, the standing crop may initially misalign the base assembliesuntil a short distance is traveled, whereby the design of the baseassemblies allows the base assemblies to realign themselves.Additionally, the wing 92, which in embodiments, can extendapproximately 1.5 inches from the back wall 76, protects neighboringbase assemblies from catching on an elbow 160 a or 160 b (described inmore detail below) when the base assemblies are realigned in the croprows upon turnaround alignment from the row change.

Turning now to FIGS. 5, 8A and 8B, the lower portion 72 of the baseassembly 20 includes a frame 120 defined by a back wall 122, a frontwall 124, two angled sidewalls 126, and two parallel wall segments 128,as shown. The shape of the frame 120 is roughly triangular and, inembodiments, is substantially similar to the shape of the frame 88 ofthe upper portion 70 of the base assembly 20. In some embodiments, theupper portion 70 and the lower portion 72 are configured such that thetwo portions 70 and 72 are flush along the sides when attached. A lowerpanel 129 extends over the bottom side of the frame 120. As shown inFIG. 8B, the lower panel 129 includes a bevel 129 a extending from thefront 72 a of the lower portion 72 toward the rear 72 b of the lowerportion 72. In some embodiments, the bevel 129 a can extend the entirelength of the lower panel 129 (that is, the lower panel 129 itself couldbe angled downward from the front 72 a toward the rear 72 b), while inother embodiments (such as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8B), thebevel 129 a extends for only a portion of the length of the lower panel129. The bevel 129 a helps the base assembly 20 move through crop rowsmore smoothly by facilitating deflection of encountered obstacles.

As is shown in FIG. 8A, the lower grid 130 is disposed within the frame120 (and coupled to the lower panel 129). The lower grid 130 includes afirst set of ribs 132 that extends between the two sidewalls 126 and asecond set of ribs 134 that intersects the first set of ribs 132 in asubstantially perpendicular orientation. As illustrated, each of thesecond set of ribs 134 extends between the back wall 122 and a sidewall126. As shown in FIG. 8A, the lower portion 72 of the base assemblyincludes a number of apertures 136 that extend through ribs 132 or 134,thereby allowing the screws 73 to pass into the lower portion 72.Additionally, a number of the ribs 132 or 134 toward the back 20 b ofthe base assembly have channels (e.g., portions cut away) 138 disposedtherein. The channels 138 match the channels 114 of the upper portion 70such that, when the base assembly 20 is assembled, a pair of throughways140 (see FIG. 11, which illustrates one throughway 140 of the pair) areprovided within the base assembly 20 for allowing tubing to be disposedtherethrough, as described in more detail below.

Returning briefly to FIG. 1, a liquid product is delivered to crop rows,in embodiments of the invention, using a number of liquid placementapparatuses 18 that extend downwardly from a boom 16 attached to acarrier having a storage tank 15 and transfer pump (not illustratedherein for the purposes of clarity and brevity). The liquid product ispumped from the tank 15 into the distribution hose 19. The pump can beany type of conventional pump with the ability to provide enough liquidproduct as prescribed for the application intended.

According to embodiments of the invention, and with reference to FIG.2A, the liquid product travels through the distribution hose 19 and intothe hose assembly 26 near the drop location 22 a. As illustrated inFIGS. 2A, 5, and 6, the hose assembly 26 includes an upper hose assembly142 a that extends along the drop assembly 22 and that is attached, atan upper end 144 to an n-orifice outlet 146 using a connector 148adapted to be relatively easily coupled to the n-orifice outlet 146.According to embodiments, the upper hose assembly 142 a is a ⅜ diameterhose. In other embodiments, hoses of different diameters can be used tooptimize liquid product flow for the particular configuration. At alower end 150 of the upper hose assembly 142 a, a y-splitter 152 couplesthe upper hose assembly 142 a to a lower hose assembly 142 b.

In embodiments, the upper hose assembly 142 a is attached to the back ofthe drop assembly 22 using fasteners 142 c, as shown in FIG. 2, toprotect the upper hose assembly 142 a form damage caused by encounteringdebris from the crop row. In embodiments, the upper hose assembly 142 ais disposed outside of the drop assembly 22 for convenience ofreplacement. The fasteners 142 c can include any type of fasteningdevice such as clamps, ties, and the like. In other embodiments, theupper hose assembly 142 a can be disposed within the drop assembly 22for added protection. In further embodiments, a removable cover (notillustrated) can be disposed over the upper hose assembly 142 a toprotect the upper hose assembly 142 a from damage.

Turning briefly to FIG. 12, an alternative embodiment of an upper hoseassembly 200 is depicted. As shown in FIG. 12, the upper hose assembly200 includes two hoses 202 and 204, each of which is coupled to ann-orifice outlet 206. This configuration can be useful, for example,where an operator wishes to use fewer liquid placement apparatuses 18(see FIG. 1). As illustrated, the hoses 202 and 204 are disposed alongthe sides of the drop assembly 208 and are coupled to secondary hoses210 and 212, respectively, using flow regulators 214 and 216,respectively. It should be understood that, in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 12, a y-splitter is not needed, as the liquidproduct flow is delivered to the upper hose assembly 200 in twodifferent channels 202 and 204 initially. In embodiments, a removablecover can be disposed over the upper hose assembly 200 to protect fromdamage caused by encountering debris in a crop row. Other configurationsand implementations can be utilized, as well.

With reference to FIGS. 2A, 5, 6 and 9A and B, the lower hose assembly142 b includes a pair of secondary hoses 154 and 156, flow regulators158 a and 158 b, (see FIG. 6) elbow assemblies 160 a and 160 b, anddribble hoses 162 a and 162 b. Each of the secondary hoses 154 and 156includes a flow regulator 158 a and 158 b, respectively, disposedtherein. The secondary hoses 154 and 156 are partially disposed withinthe base assembly 20, extending into the base assembly 20 throughapertures 154 c and 156 c, respectively, which are defined within theupper panel 90 of the base assembly 20. Additionally, as shown in FIG.5, within the base assembly 20, each of the secondary hoses 154 and 156is coupled to an elbow assembly 160 a and 160 b, respectively. A dribblehose 162 a and 162 b is coupled to each elbow assembly 160 a and 160 b,respectively. In operation, the liquid product travels through theprimary hose 142, through the y-splitter 152 into the secondary hoses154 and 156, through the flow regulators 158 a and 158 b, into the elbowassemblies 160 a and 160 b and is ejected through the dribble hoses 162a and 162 b.

Turning to FIGS. 9A and 9B, an illustrative flow regulator 158 b isdepicted. As shown, the flow regulator 158 b is disposed within asecondary hose 156, which, as can be seen in FIGS. 9A and 9B, actuallyincludes two separate hose portions 156 a and 156 b that are coupled bythe flow regulator 158 b. It should be understood that the othersecondary hose 154 is similarly constructed (see, e.g., FIG. 6), havingtwo hose portions 154 a and 154 b that are coupled using the flowregulator 158 a. Additionally, the components and configuration of theflow regulator 158 a, disposed within the secondary hose 154, aresubstantially the same as the components and configuration of the flowregulator 158 b, described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the flow regulator 158 b includes a flatorifice 164 enclosed inside of a plastic barbed insert 160 and cap 162.According to embodiments of the invention, the orifice 164 isstrategically placed approximately 12.5 inches from the elbow apparatus160 b to ensure equal positive flow of liquid product. The size of theorifice 164 can be determined by desired flow rate, specific gravity ofproduct, and volume of product to be delivered to a crop row. The flowregulator 158 b is coupled to the hose portions 156 a and 156 b usingclamps 166 and 168, respectively. According to embodiments of theinvention, other types of flow regulators can be used.

Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 11, and with continued reference to FIG. 5,the elbow assembly 160 b includes a first portion 170 that is coupled,at a first end 172 thereof, to the secondary hose 158 b and, at a secondend 174 thereof to a mounting plate 176 having an opening (not shown)defined therein. The elbow assembly 160 b further includes a secondportion 178 that is coupled, at a first end 180 thereof, to the mountingplate 176, and, at a second end 182 thereof, to the dribble hose 162 b.In embodiments, the components 170, 176, and 178 of the elbow assembly160 b can be stainless steel and can be welded together. A stainlesssteel construction minimizes the possibility of rust or other corrosivedamage to the base assembly 20 from the liquid product. In otherembodiments, other types of material and/or mechanisms for coupling thecomponents 170, 176, and 178 can be employed. In embodiments, the secondportion 178 of the elbow assembly 160 b has a 3-5 degree turn away fromthe outside of the base assembly 20. According to some embodiments ofthe invention, the second portion 178 of the elbow assembly 160 b alsohas a 22-degree bend downward to assist the flow of liquid productdownward toward the ground to reduce splattering.

As shown in FIG. 11, the mounting plate 176 is configured to be disposedadjacent to a blocking surface 184 disposed within the lower portion 72of the base assembly 20. The mounting plate 176, and its positionadjacent the blocking surface 184, holds the elbow assembly 106 b inplace within the lower portion 72 of the base assembly 20. The secondhose portion 162 b of the secondary hose 162, and the first portion 170and the second portion 178 of the elbow assembly 160 b are configured tobe disposed within the throughway 140 defined within the base assembly20. It should be understood that a substantially similar configurationis repeated on the other side of the base assembly with respect to thesecondary hose 154 and the corresponding elbow assembly 160 a.

Returning briefly to FIG. 5, the dribble hoses 162 a and 162 b areattached to the elbow assemblies 160 a and 160 b using clamps 185 a and185 b, respectively, and can include, for example, hoses withsingle-strand wire enclosures of lengths varying from about 18 inches toabout 36 inches, depending on the application. According to embodiments,the dribble hoses 162 a and 162 b are configured to drag on the groundas the carrier 12 (see FIG. 1) moves through a field of row crops. Inother embodiments, the dribble hoses 162 a and 162 b are configured toterminate some predetermined distance above the ground. Additionally, invarious embodiments, the dribble hoses 162 a and 162 b are attached tothe elbow assemblies 160 a and 160 b, respectively, using an adjustableclamp, which facilitates relatively easy assembly and replacement.

FIGS. 13-16 illustrate an embodiment of a “breakaway” mounting assembly300 for attaching the drop assembly 22 to the boom 16. The breakawaymounting assembly 300 permits the drop assembly 22 to swing from itsnormal position, wherein the drop assembly 22 is oriented substantiallyvertically fore and aft, to a breakaway position, wherein the dropassembly 22 is pivoted rearwardly with respect to the forward directionof travel (indicated by arrow 301) as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 15,in order to prevent damage to the liquid placement apparatus 18 uponencountering an obstruction or obstacle in the field, such as a rock,fence, dense vegetation, etc. In this embodiment, the breakaway mountingassembly 300 comprises a block clamp 310 having an internal periphery312 complimentary to the exterior periphery of the boom 16 so that theblock clamp 310 frictionally engages with the boom 16. The block clamp310 includes upper and lower block halves 314, 316 which are securedtogether at opposing ends by clamp bolts 318 which, when tightened, willfrictionally clamp the boom 16 within the interior periphery 312. Spacedflanges 320, 322 extend downwardly from the lower block half 316 toreceive an eyebolt 324 therebetween. A pin 326 extends through thealigned holes in the flanges 320, 322 and through the eye of the eyebolt324. The pin 326 includes a quick-release retaining clip 328 to retainthe pin 326 in position. A forward swing stop 330 comprising a stopplate 332 which extends downwardly from the forward end of the lowerblock half 316. A bumper 334 is threadably secured to the plate 332.Thus, it should be appreciated that the breakaway mounting assembly 300permits the drop assembly 22 to swing rearwardly in the event the baseassembly 20 or any portion of the drop assembly 22 encounters anobstruction in the field and the forward swing stop 330 prevents thedrop assembly from swinging forwardly so the drop assembly returns tothe normal position, i.e, its substantially vertical hanging position.

When it is desired to remove the drop assembly 22 from the boom 16, theretaining clip 328 is released from the end of the pin 326 and the pin326 is removed from the eye of the eyebolt 324. Additionally, when it isdesired to laterally adjust the position of the drop assembly 22 alongthe boom 16, the clamp bolts 336 are loosened and the block clamp 310 isslid along the boom to the desired position and the clamp bolts 336 areretightened to frictionally secure the drop assembly at the desiredposition.

FIGS. 17-20 illustrate another embodiment of a breakaway mountingassembly 400 for attaching the drop assembly 22 to the boom 16. As withthe previous embodiment, this embodiment of the breakaway mountingassembly permits the drop assembly 22 to pivot rearwardly with respectto the forward direction of travel (as indicated by arrow 401) from itsnormal position (i.e., substantially vertical) to the breakaway positionupon encountering an obstacle in the field as indicated by phantom linesin FIG. 20. In this embodiment, the breakaway mounting assembly 400comprises a boom mounting plate 402 having apertures 404 through whichthe threaded ends of U-bolts 406 are received for slidably securing theboom mounting plate 402 to the boom 16. It should be appreciated thatwhen it is desired to laterally adjust the position of the breakawaymounting assembly 400, and thus the drop assembly 22 along the boom 16,bolts 408 are loosened and the mounting assembly 400 is slid along theboom to the desired position and the bolts 408 retightened securing thedrop assembly at the desired position

A forward swing stop 410 is supported from the boom mounting plate 402.The forward swing stop 410 includes spaced flanges 412, 414 which extendrearwardly from a web plate 416. Each of the spaced flanges 412, 414include an aperture 418 which are matingly aligned to receive atransverse pivot bolt 420, the purpose of which will be described later.A riser bracket 430 is received between the spaced flanges 412, 414 ofthe forward swing stop 410. The riser bracket 430 has a pair of spacedflanges 432, 434 projecting rearwardly from a web plate 436. Each of theflanges 432, 434 has an aperture 438 which matingly aligns with theapertures 418 of the forward swing stop 418 A bolt 420 extends throughand pivotally secures the riser bracket 430 within the forward swingstop 410.

At an upper end portion of riser bracket 430 is a section of tube 440fixedly secured thereto. The tube 440 supports a drop assembly coupler450. The drop assembly coupler 450 comprises a sleeve 452 fixed at oneend to a plate 454. The plate 454 is attached to the tube 440 by U-bolts456 The other end of the sleeve 452 is open to receive the upper portion32 of the drop assembly 22. The sleeve 452 includes an aperture 460which aligns with a mating aperture in the upper portion 32 of the dropassembly 22, through which the pin 462 is inserted, thereby pinningupper portion 32 of the drop assembly 22 to the drop assembly coupler450. When it is desired to remove the drop assembly 22 from the dropassembly coupler 450, the retainer clip 464 is released from the end ofthe pin 462 and the pin 462 is removed.

At a lower portion of the riser bracket 430 a magnet 470 is secured tothe web member 436. The magnet 470 may vary in strength so as tosufficiently attract and retain the riser bracket 430 to the forwardswing stop 410 during operation until a sufficient force (due to impactwith the ground surface or other obstruction) is exerted to overcome themagnetic force. In one example, magnet 470 is threadably secured to theriser bracket 430 using a bolt or screw; however, it is contemplatedthat magnet 470 could be fixedly secured to at any position on the riserbracket 430 using a weldment. Magnet 470 retains drop assembly 22 in thenormal position (i.e., substantially vertical) position duringoperation; however, as illustrated in FIG. 20, it also permits the riserbracket 430—and drop assembly 22 to pivot rearwardly about bolt 420, inthe event the base assembly 20 or any portion of the drop assembly 22encounters an obstruction in the field. After the obstruction haspassed, riser bracket 430 again pivots about bolt 420, allowing the dropassembly 22 to move forwardly where it is retained again by magnet 470in a substantially vertical (operating) position.

FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of a breakaway mounting assembly500 for attaching the drop assembly 22 to the boom 16. As with theprevious embodiments, this embodiment of the breakaway mounting assemblypermits the drop assembly 22 to pivot rearwardly with respect to theforward direction of travel (as indicated by arrow 501) from its normalposition (i.e., substantially vertical) to the breakaway position uponencountering an obstacle in the field. The breakaway mounting assembly500 is coupled to boom 16 by a mounting plate 502 and U-bolts 504. Aforward swing stop bracket 506 is fixed to and extends downwardly fromthe mounting plate 502. Pivot plates 508, 510 are spaced laterally oneach side of the forward swing stop bracket 506 and are pivotallyattached thereto by pivot pin 512. A sleeve 514 is fixed to the rearwardend of the pivot plates. The sleeve 514 is adapted to receive the upperportion 32 of the drop assembly 22 and is removably retained therein bya pin 516. A magnet 520 is attached by a weldment or other suitablemeans to the lower end of the forward swing stop bracket 506 tomagnetically retain the drop assembly in substantially verticalorientation until the drop assembly 22 impacts an obstruction withsufficient force to overcome the magnetic attraction allowing the dropassembly, together with the sleeve 514 and pivot plates 508. 510 topivot about the pivot pin 512.

Various embodiments of the invention have been described above forpurposes of illustrating the details thereof and to enable one ofordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details andfeatures of the disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limiting,as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to thoseof skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure isintended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations andmodifications coming within the scope of the appended claims and theirlegal equivalents.

1. A liquid dispensing apparatus for delivering liquid product to rowcrops in a field, comprising: a boom extending transverse to a directionof travel and disposed a vertical distance above a soil surface; aplurality of drop assemblies, each of the plurality of drop assembliessupporting dribble hoses; liquid delivery hoses communicating liquidproduct from a liquid product source to the dribble hoses of each of theplurality of drop assemblies; a breakaway mounting assembly pivotallyattaching each of the plurality of drop assemblies to the boom, thebreakaway mounting assembly enabling the drop assembly to pivotally movebetween a normal position in which the drop assembly is hangingsubstantially vertical from the boom structure to a breakaway positionin which the drop assembly is pivoted rearwardly with respect to thedirection of travel.
 2. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 1,wherein the breakaway mounting assembly includes a forward swing stop toprevent the drop assembly from swinging forwardly with respect to thedirection of travel beyond substantially beyond vertical.
 3. The liquiddispensing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the forward swing stop includesa magnet to magnetically retain the drop assembly in engagement with theforward swing stop until the drop assembly encounters an obstacle withsufficient force to overcome the magnetic retention such that the dropassembly pivots to the breakaway position.
 4. The liquid dispensingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the breakaway mounting assembly includes acoupler in which an upper portion of the drop assembly is coupledadjustably received.
 5. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 1,wherein the drop assembly is rigid.
 6. The liquid dispensing apparatusof claim 1, wherein at least an upper portion of the drop assembly isrigid.
 7. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 6, wherein a rigidlower portion of the drop assembly is flexibly coupled to the rigidupper portion of the drop assembly, such that the rigid lower portion ofthe drop assembly is capable of deflecting with respect to the rigidupper portion of the drop assembly.
 8. The liquid dispensing apparatusof claim 1, wherein the dribble hoses are directed outwardly withrespect to the drop assembly and rearwardly with respect to thedirection of travel.
 9. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 1,wherein the drop assembly supports a triangular shaped base assemblywhich diverges outwardly with respect to the drop assembly andrearwardly with respect to the direction of travel, and wherein thedribble hoses are supported by the base assembly.
 10. The liquiddispensing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the triangular shaped baseassembly includes throughways through which the liquid product iscommunicated to the dribble hoses.